12 Great Hikes in Japan's National Parks
You can follow the trails through Japan's national parks to mountain peaks and coastal views—and sometimes both at the same time!
Japan's Top 5 Roadside Service Stops
If you're planning a road trip in Japan, you may just want to stop by one of these rest areas for a soak in a hot spring, locally sourced fruits and vegetables and scenic views.
Reconnect to Nature: Daisen-Oki National Park
Natural Japan National Parks of Japan
Exploring a little bit of everything that Daisen-Oki National Park has to offer
Top 20 Power Spots in Japan
Japan seems to be overflowing with so-called 'power spots.' Here are 20 of the best, many of them tied to mountain worship, ancient shrines, and the very origins of Japan.
12 Female Sake Brewers Concoct a Bold Project
As fewer than 50 sake breweries in Japan are female-owned, one crowdfunding project is offering a chance to sample brews from a dozen of them.
Why I Love Nihonga (and Want You to Love It Too)
Nihonga is a genre of modern Japanese painting that uses natural materials and draws inspiration from nature and traditional themes in Japanese culture. Find out more, including the best museums in Japan to experience the unique beauty of nihonga.
Feline Furniture is Purrfect for Cats & Owners
A company in Shimane Prefecture is making feline-friendly furniture that's great for both pets and owners!
Volcanoes, Islands, and Ancient Culture
Situated in western Japan inside parts of Shimane, Tottori, and Okayama prefectures, Daisen-Oki National Park rewards those willing to take the path less traveled with incredible beauty!
22 Animals to See in Japan's National Parks
While Japan may have an image as a land of trains and modern technology, the nation's 34 national parks offer a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered.
30 Stunning Flowers in Japan's National Parks
From June hydrangeas to September spider lilies, here are 30 reasons for flower fans to fall in love with Japan's 34 flower-filled national parks!
Japan's 8 Best-Preserved Castle Towns
While some ancient castles may be hard to find in Japan today, many of their surrounding villages are still standing strong.
All Aboard This Luxurious New Shinkansen
This new bullet train from JR West will allow passengers to travel in comfort like never before, with six unique cars that cater to the needs of different types of travelers.
Take Your Prefectural Pride on the Road
These stylish license plates feature iconic imagery from prefectures throughout Japan, so you can show off your prefectural pride every time you hit the road!
14 Stunning Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Japan
Japanese Countryside Great Outdoors
It's a tradition to watch the sunrise on the first day of the year in Japan. And the nation's national parks offer countless breathtaking options for both sunrise and sunset at any time of year!
Winter at the Adachi Museum of Art: Superb Rosanjin Collection in Shimane
Best known for its gardens and collection of nihonga painting, the Adachi Museum of Art now has a hall dedicated to epicure Kitaoji Rosanjin.
Fireflies Light up the Night in Amazing Photos
One Japanese photographer perfectly captures the natural beauty of Japanese summer nights by focusing on fireflies.
Rebranding the Historic Izumo Taisha Shrine
Creative director Yu Yamada and art director Kishino Shogo worked with Izumo Taisha to modernize the crests and symbols of the shrine.
15 Beautiful Beaches in Japan's National Parks
Japan offers countless stunning beaches along its nearly 30,000 kilometers of coastline. Some are directly accessible by train from Tokyo, while others are surrounded by 1,000 kilometers of open sea!
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the most interesting and beautiful rural towns in Japan. There are truly some hidden gems on this list!
Visit Japan’s Least Populous Prefectures!
In a post-COVID-19 world, the concept of travel can still be quite daunting. But as things get back up and running in Japan, people may still want to avoid the crowds. If that's the case, why not try visiting one of Japan's least populous prefectures?
